Robotic multi-mode radiological scanning system and method

Abstract

A robotic scanning system is provided. The scanning system includes a robotic array having at least one set of scanning robots configured to perform a radiological scan on a subject, each robot having a respective emitter or detector. A control unit in electrical communication with the robotic array controls the set of scanning robots to perform the radiological scan in accordance with scan settings received from a work station. The work station is configured to permit a user to select a radiological scan to perform on the subject from a plurality of different types of radiological scans selectable by the user. An image processing device in the system receives scan data from the robotic array and produces image data indicative of a multi-dimensional image of at least a portion of the subject.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 313,968 filed on Mar. 28, 2016 and Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 139,256 filed on Mar. 27, 2015, both of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention are related to radiological scanning systems and, in particular, scanning systems and methods associated with radiology.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is common in the field of radiology to conduct one or more radiological scans on various different subjects, such as patients in a hospital, animals at a veterinary clinic or in other settings, or of objects, for example, in industrial settings. However, due to limitations in current technology, radiological scanning equipment is often times configured to perform only a particular type of scan. In such a situation, a radiologist or other personnel ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a robotic scanning system that can perform various types of radiological scans by attaching and detaching the emitter and detector to the scanning robot based on the type of scan to be performed. The system also includes a vision system that monitors the subject and robotic array during the scan and uses the positions of markers on the subject to generate correction information to compensate for offsets in image frames caused by motion of the subject. The markers can be positioned in a predefined geometric pattern to help the vision system distinguish between the subject and system markers. The technical effects of the invention provide flexibility, adaptability, and accuracy in the robotic scanning process.

Problems solved by technology

However, due to limitations in current technology, radiological scanning equipment is often times configured to perform only a particular type of scan.

In such a situation, a radiologist or other personnel desiring to perform multiple types of scans on a patient or subject would be required to purchase and utilize different types of radiological equipment at great expense.

Depending on the situation, the multiple scan regimen may be very time consuming, and, in the event of scans on animal or human subjects, may require anesthetizing the subject multiple times. This adds even more expense to the process and often times results in an unpleasant experience for the subject being scanned.

Furthermore, since different radiological systems operate in accordance with their own protocols and coordinate systems, it may be difficult to generate composite, hybrid imagery from multiple types of scans of the subject.

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